Maryam Jari; Javad Sadeghi allah abadi; Davood Fathi; Marzieh Attar; Zahra Maleki; Majid Shahbazi
Abstract
Background: Various factors contribute to the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), one of which is Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2). The function of FGF2 is pleiotropic. The investigation of the role of this factor in the myelination has produced conflicting results. Objective: To investigate the ...
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Background: Various factors contribute to the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), one of which is Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2). The function of FGF2 is pleiotropic. The investigation of the role of this factor in the myelination has produced conflicting results. Objective: To investigate the serum levels of FGF2 in patients with MS. Material and methods: Eighty patients with MS and eighty healthy volunteers with no history of inflammation or demyelinating disorders were included, and serum samples were collected to evaluate serum levels of FGF2 using the ELISA technique. Both groups had the same age and gender distribution. For analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Results: Patients with MS had considerably greater serum FGF2 levels than the control group (p = 0.005). There was no difference between the FGF2 level in men and women. Conclusion: Our data indicate that FGF2 levels may be related to the susceptibility of Iranian patients with MS. Further studies are required to analyze the involvement of FGF2 in enhancing the inflammatory process in MS.
Sahar Mortezagholi; Davood Rostamzadeh; Maedeh Alinejad; Vahid Younesi; Payam Tabarsi; Mahdi Shabani
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly transmits in general population, mainly between health-care workers (HCWs) who are in close contact with patients. Objective: To study the seropositivity of HCWs as a high-risk group compared to general population. Methods: ...
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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly transmits in general population, mainly between health-care workers (HCWs) who are in close contact with patients. Objective: To study the seropositivity of HCWs as a high-risk group compared to general population. Methods: 72 samples were obtained from HCWs working in Masih Daneshvari hospital as one of the main COVID-19 admission centers in Tehran, during April 4 to 6, 2020. Also we collected 2021 blood samples from general population. The SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM, and IgG antibodies in the collected serum specimens were measured by commercial ELISA kits. Results: Based on the clinical manifestations, 25.0%, 47.2%, and 27.8% of HCWs were categorized as symptomatic with typical symptoms, symptomatic with atypical symptoms, and asymptomatic, respectively. Symptomatic individuals with typical and atypical symptoms were 63.2% and 36.8% positive in RT-PCR test, respectively. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 15.3% and 27.8% of HCWs samples, respectively. Antibody testing in the general population indicated that SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM and IgG were found in (162/2021) 8%, and (290/2021) 14.4%, respectively. The frequency of positive cases of IgM and IgG were significantly increased in HCWs compared to general population (p= 0.028 for IgM and p= 0.002 for IgG). Conclusion: The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in HCWs was higher than general population indicating a higher viral transmission via close exposure with COVID-19 patients.
Elham Moghaddas; Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini; Karim Sharifi; Abdolrahim Rezai; Saman Soleimanpour; Mohammad Mobin Miri Moghaddam; Seyed Aliakbar Shamsian
Abstract
Background: The diagnostic methods which are used for acute ocular toxoplasmosis are very important; if the treatment is delayed, it sometimes leads to loss of vision. Fewstudies have been performed to evaluate serological tests used in the diagnosis of acute ocular toxoplasmosis. Objective: To evaluate ...
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Background: The diagnostic methods which are used for acute ocular toxoplasmosis are very important; if the treatment is delayed, it sometimes leads to loss of vision. Fewstudies have been performed to evaluate serological tests used in the diagnosis of acute ocular toxoplasmosis. Objective: To evaluate the immunoglobulin (Ig) M, G and IgG avidity tests for diagnosis of acute ocular toxoplasmosis in the northeast of Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2016. After an opthalmic examination was conducted by a retina specialist, 16 typical acute and 34 typical chronic ocular toxoplasmosis cases were included in this study. Information on clinical manifestations, age and occupation was recorded. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM and IgG avidity tests were administered on serum samples using the ELISA method. Results: Blurring of vision in all patients was the most clinical presentation. The IgG avidity test could diagnose all acute and recent cases. However, three false positive and one false negative result occurred using the IgM test by ELISA. The false negative result in all likelihood occurred because the patient was at the beginning stage of the infection. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that IgM is not a reliable marker of acute disease. Repetition of the serology tests was proposed in cases with clinical manifestations without detectable antibody titer after approximately two weeks. IgG avidity testing results coincided with clinical diagnosis and it could therefore considered to be a reliable method to differentiate between recently acquired and chronic ocular toxoplasmosis.
Mahmood Shams; Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani; Farzaneh Notash Haghighat; Ali Ahmad Bayat; Jafar Mahmoudian; Mohammad Reza Rezvani
Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2013, , Pages 259-266
Abstract
Background: Human CD34 is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is expressed in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the small- vessel endothelial cells of a variety of tissues. CD34 plays a critical role as a marker for diagnosis and classification of leukemia. Anti CD34 antibodies are used for isolation ...
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Background: Human CD34 is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is expressed in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the small- vessel endothelial cells of a variety of tissues. CD34 plays a critical role as a marker for diagnosis and classification of leukemia. Anti CD34 antibodies are used for isolation and purification of HSCs from bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood. Objective: To characterize a newly produced monoclonal antibody against a human CD34 peptide. Methods: Anti CD34 monoclonal antibody (Clone 2C10-D3) was purified from mouse ascitic fluid and hybridoma cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography and its immune reactivity was examined by ELISA. The purified antibody was further characterized using Western blot and flow cytometry on TF1 (Human Erythroblast) cell line. Results: ELISA experiment revealed that the antibody recognized CD34 peptide. Western blot analysis on TF1 cell lysate confirmed the reactivity of the antibody with a 42 KDa protein. Blocking the antibody with a saturating concentration of specific CD34 peptide resulted in loss of its activity with TF1 lysate in Western blot. The 2C10-D3 antibody reacted with TF1 cells in flow cytometry in a similar manner to a commercial anti CD34 monoclonal antibody. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the anti CD34 monoclonal antibody (Clone 2C10-D3) is an appropriate antibody to study the CD34+ cells by flow cytometry and Western blot.
Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin; Gholam Reza Hatam; Bahador Sarkari; Mehdi Mohebali; Zabih Zarei; Mansoureh Jaberipour; Shahab Bohlouli
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2011, , Pages 244-250
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania infantum in Mediterranean basin and is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Canines are the main reservoirs of VL in most of the endemic areas. Different serological methods have been introduced for diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis ...
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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania infantum in Mediterranean basin and is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Canines are the main reservoirs of VL in most of the endemic areas. Different serological methods have been introduced for diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Objective: In this survey a Fucose-Mannose Ligand (FML) ELISA, using native L. infantum antigen, was developed and its validity for detection of infected dogs in comparison with direct agglutination test (DAT) and PCR was evaluated. Methods: Blood samples of sixty ownership dogs (≤ 3 years old) were collected from Meshkin-shahr district in Ardabil province, North-west of Iran. Sera were separated for serological assays (DAT and FMLELISA) and the buffy coats were collected for molecular evaluation. Results: Two out of the 60 (3.33%) samples were found to be positive (antibody titer of ≥ 1/320) in DAT while seven of the 60 (11.66%) samples were positive by FML-ELISA. Nine out of 60 (15%) buffy coat samples showed a band about 680 bp indicative of L. infantum in PCR. Three out of 60 dogs had Kala-azar symptoms and were positive by PCR and FML-ELISA, while two of these three dogs had antibody titers >1/320 in their serum samples. The sensitivity and specificity of FML-ELISA for the detection of CVL in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs were found to be 77.8% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the acceptable sensitivity and high specificity of FMLELISA, use of this serological method can be recommended for epidemiological surveys of CVL.
Elfadil Abass; Abdelhafeiz Mahamoud; Durria Mansur; Mehdi Mohebali; Abdollah el Harith
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 150-158
Abstract
Background: A β-mercaptoethnol (β-ME)-treated promastigote antigen of L. donovani was successfully employed in direct agglutination test (DAT) for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Objective: The β-ME-treated antigen was further incorporated into an enzyme-linked immunosorbent ...
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Background: A β-mercaptoethnol (β-ME)-treated promastigote antigen of L. donovani was successfully employed in direct agglutination test (DAT) for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Objective: The β-ME-treated antigen was further incorporated into an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay set-up (β-ME ELISA) and evaluated for VL diagnosis against outcome of reference freeze-dried DAT (FD-DAT) and rK39 strip test (RKT) commercial kits. Methods: Two-hundred and ninety-two sera from patients with high VL suspicion of whom 105 had confirmed L. donovani infection were tested. Results: Relatively higher sensitivities of 93.3% (95% CI: 88.4- 98.2) and 92.4% (95% CI: 87.3-97.5) were determined for β-ME ELISA and FD-DAT as compared to 83.8% (95% CI: 76.7-90.8) for RKT. Of 73 VL sera that scored maximum absorbance values (>0.81) in β-ME ELISA, 66 (90.4%) tested at the highest agglutination titres (>1:51200) in FD-DAT as did 56 (76.7%) also at comparable reaction intensities (3 + colour intensity) in RKT. Compared with FD-DAT (94.7%, 95% CI: 91.5-97.9) or RKT (93.0%, 95% CI: 89.3-96.6), lower specificity was estimated for β-ME ELISA (90.4%, 95% CI: 86.1-94.6). Based both on positive and negative microscopy for L. donovani in organ aspirates of all VL suspects enrolled (292), significantly higher correlation (p<0.01, 0.919) was established between β-ME ELISA and FD-DAT than between β-ME ELISA and RKT (p<0.01, 0.824). Taking into calculation the combined estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, higher agreement (94.8%) was determined between total performance of β-ME ELISA and FD-DAT than between that of β-ME ELISA and RKT (90.7%). Conclusion: Based on results and merits discussed, we recommend application of this β-ME ELISA both for diagnosis of VL at laboratory level and confirmation of results obtained with DAT or RKT in the field.
Fatemeh Sarlati; Mandana Sattari; Ali Ghorbani Gazar; Ali Nabavizadeh Rafsenjani
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2010, , Pages 226-233
Abstract
Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is one of the key cytokines in the induction of osteoclastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.Several reports indicated the presence of sRANKL in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal diseases. Objective: To determine ...
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Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is one of the key cytokines in the induction of osteoclastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.Several reports indicated the presence of sRANKL in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal diseases. Objective: To determine the presence of RANKL in peri-implant crevicular fluid samples of implants with peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis and healthy controls. Methods: In this study, 40 implants were categorized as clinically healthy, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis according to the clinical and radiographic findings. Filter paper strips were used to collect peri-implant crevicular fluid for 30 seconds in the base of the crevice/pocket.Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were obtained from buccal and lingual aspects of implants. Plaque index, probing depth, gingival index and bleeding on probing were recorded at six sites per implant. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the PICF levels of sRANKL. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in sRANKL concentration between healthy group, peri-implant mucositis and periimplantitis (p=0.12). There were also no statistical correlation between the concentration of sRANKL and probing pocket depth (R=0.051, p=0.65), or any of the other clinical regarding (p>0.05). No differences between the mean sRANKL concentration in the buccal and lingual sites were found (p=0.693). Conclusion: Our results may suggest that peri-implant crevicular fluid analysis of sRANKL in conjunction with some other osteoclastogenic mediators could be further investigated in well-designed prospective longitudinal studies on a larger-scale sample size in the evaluation of dental implants.
Shahid Hussain; Nadeem Afzal; Khursheed Javaid; Muhammad Ikram Ullah; Tanveer Ahmad; Saleem-Uz -Zaman
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2010, , Pages 240-246
Abstract
Background: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a cytokine produced by a variety of cells is involved in the immune response against M. tuberculosis. It activates the production of other cytokines and molecules that kill mycobacterium. IFN-γ also has diagnostic role in identification of active and ...
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Background: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a cytokine produced by a variety of cells is involved in the immune response against M. tuberculosis. It activates the production of other cytokines and molecules that kill mycobacterium. IFN-γ also has diagnostic role in identification of active and latent tuberculosis. Objective: To determine the level of IFN-γ in the blood of TB patients. Methods: Ninety-one subjects were selected, including 54 active TB patients and 37 healthy controls. Among 54 TB patients, 27 had confirmed TB and 27 were clinically diagnosed as having TB. IFN-γ concentration was determined in their blood by an ELISA technique. Results: In TB patients, Mean + SD of IFN-γ was 48.69 + 28.78 pg/ml while it was 12.99 + 5.70pg/ml in the control group (p <0.001). Significant differences in the level of IFN-γ were observed among confirmed TB patients, clinically diagnosed TB patients and the control group (Mean + SD 59.68 + 28.78, 36.85 + 24.76 and 12.99 + 5.70 pg/ml, respectively). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between the concentration of IFN-γ in TB patients and the duration of antituberculosis therapy. Conclusion: IFN-γ level was high in both clinically diagnosed and confirmed TB patients as compared to a control group. Measurement of IFN-γ production is helpful to diagnose active tuberculosis, but further research is required.
Mohammad Reza Bonyadi; Mohammad Barzegar; Reza Badalzadeh; Mazyar Hashemilar
Volume 7, Issue 2 , June 2010, , Pages 117-123
Abstract
Background: Anti-ganglioside antibody assays are widely used for diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. Objective: This study aimed to determine serum levels of anti-ganglioside antibodies in children with Guillain-Barre syndrome by immunoblotting technique and compare the results with those ...
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Background: Anti-ganglioside antibody assays are widely used for diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. Objective: This study aimed to determine serum levels of anti-ganglioside antibodies in children with Guillain-Barre syndrome by immunoblotting technique and compare the results with those obtained by ELISA method. Method: In this investigation, 50 children with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) who were admitted from July 2006 to July 2008, to Tabriz Children’s hospital in the northwest of Iran were studied. 30 children admitted for various other reasons than GBS were randomly selected as a control group. The levels of anti-ganglioside antibodies in serum were measured by ELISA and immunoblotting methods using commercial kits. Results: Anti-ganglioside antibodies (IgG) were detected in 16 (32%) GBS patients and in 1 (3.3%) control using ELISA assay. However, by employing immunoblotting technique, antibodies against seven gangliosides were found positive in 28 (56%) GBS patients and none in the control group. The sensitivities of immunoblotting and ELISA methods were 56% and 32% and their specificities were 100% and 97%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the clinical criteria of GBS, the specificity and sensitivity of immunoblotting was better than those of ELISA. It is important to notice that the immunoblotting method is able to measure the seven types of antibodies (GM1, GM2, GM3, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, and GQ1b) simultaneously and it is an easy, routine method with a lower cost.
Mohammad Amin Ghatei; Gholamreza Hatam; Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hosseini; Bahador Sarkari
Volume 6, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 202-207
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Many techniques have been used for diagnosis of VL, among which the urine based la-tex agglutination test (KAtex) is a promising one. Objective: To compare three diag-nostic tests of VL including KAtex, ELISA and Direct ...
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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Many techniques have been used for diagnosis of VL, among which the urine based la-tex agglutination test (KAtex) is a promising one. Objective: To compare three diag-nostic tests of VL including KAtex, ELISA and Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) in VL patients and healthy controls in the south west of Iran. Methods: Serum (n = 29) and urine samples (n = 31) were collected from parasitologically confirmed VL patients. Control samples were obtained from healthy individuals (n = 61) and also from patients with infectious diseases other than VL. The collected serum samples were tested by DAT and ELISA using crude antigen from promastigotes of Leishmania infantum and the urine samples were tested by KAtex. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of KAtex for diagnosis of VL was found to be 83.9% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivities of DAT and ELISA were 93.1% and 86.2% and their specificities were 100% and 90.5%, respectively. Conclusion: KAtex yielded a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in di-agnosis of VL in Iran and can be recommended as a rapid, field applicable and reliable test for diagnosis of VL in this region.
Abdol Aziz Khezri; Mehdi Shirazi; Seyyed Mohammad Taghi Ayatollahi; Mehrzad Lotfi; Mehrdad Askarian; Ali Ariafar; Mohammad Amin Afrasiabi
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2009, , Pages 40-48
Abstract
Background: It is relevant to highlight that there is not a precise and perfect report on either 95 percentile value (upper limit of normal range) or on appropriate reference intervals for serum PSA in Iranian population. Objective: To determine age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific ...
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Background: It is relevant to highlight that there is not a precise and perfect report on either 95 percentile value (upper limit of normal range) or on appropriate reference intervals for serum PSA in Iranian population. Objective: To determine age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration and PSA density (PSAD) and prostate volumes in a population of healthy Iranian men. Methods: Nine-hundred and thirteen healthy Iranian men, aged 50-79 years, underwent a detailed clinical evaluation including a digital rectal examination, a serum PSA determination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). PSA test was performed on 666 of the subjects and TRUS was done on 633 of them. None of the subjects had any evidence of prostate cancer by any one of the three diagnostic tests and had no history of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Age specific ranges for PSA levels, PSA density and prostate volume were determined. Results: The serum PSA concentration correlated directly with the subjects’ age (r=0.280; p<0.001) and prostatic volume (r=0.327; p<0.001). Also prostatic volume was directly proportional to age (r=0.197; p<0.001).The serum PSA ranges (95th percentile) for each age range in Iranian men were: 0.00-2.61 ng/ml for 50-59 years; 0.00-3.59 ng/ml for 60-69 years; and 0.00- 4.83 ng/ml for 70-79 years. The respective prostate volumes were: 14-59, 16-66 and 18- 73ml. Also respective PSA densities were: 0.00-0.076, 0.00-0.10 and 0.00-0.14 ng/ml/ml. Conclusion: The present study confirms earlier reports that serum PSA levels and prostate volume and PSAD are age- and race- dependent, so it is appropriate to have age- specific reference ranges for these variables in various communities around the world. This will increase the positive predictive value of PSA estimation in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in different communities.
Bahram Kazemi; Negar Seyed; Mojgan Bandehpour; Zarrin Sharifnia; Parviz Pakzad
Volume 5, Issue 3 , September 2008, , Pages 148-155
Abstract
Background: Although a simple and direct method does not exist for the detection of chlamydial infections, there are situations in which reliable serological tests, with sensi-tivity related to a specific antigen, could be helpful. Objective: The aim of this study was to clone the first 1100 bp of the ...
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Background: Although a simple and direct method does not exist for the detection of chlamydial infections, there are situations in which reliable serological tests, with sensi-tivity related to a specific antigen, could be helpful. Objective: The aim of this study was to clone the first 1100 bp of the C. trachomatis outer membrane protein 2 (omp2) gene in order to prepare a recombinant protein for use in an ELISA system designed to recognize the anti- C. trachomatis antibody in patient sera. Methods: The PCR product of the chlamydial omp2 gene was cloned in pBluescript and its first 1100 bp was sub-cloned in the pQE-30 expression vector and induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and its purity was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, gel diffusion and western blot analyses. The purified protein was coated onto a polysty-rene microplate and tested by ELISA using patient serum. Results: We have cloned, over-expressed and purified biologically functional recombinant truncated Omp2 from C. trachomatis for use, as a species-specific recognition antigen, in an ELISA system. In this study we determined a cut-off value of 0.345 for this ELISA system using 55 negative sera and measured six positive sera at dilutions of 1:20-1:2560. Conclusion: As a species-specific recognition antigen, the over-expressed and purified recombinant truncated Omp2 from C. trachomatis performed well in an ELISA system.
Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi; Hassan Abidi; Bahador Sarkari; Ahmad Izadpanah; Sakineh Kazemian
Volume 4, Issue 3 , December 2007, , Pages 167-172
Abstract
Background: Hydatidosis is one of the cosmopolitan parasitic zoonoses caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Diagnosis of hydatidosis is still an unresolved problem. Serological tests using crude antigens for diagnosis of E. granulosus are sensi-tive, however their specificity are not ...
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Background: Hydatidosis is one of the cosmopolitan parasitic zoonoses caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Diagnosis of hydatidosis is still an unresolved problem. Serological tests using crude antigens for diagnosis of E. granulosus are sensi-tive, however their specificity are not satisfactory. Therefore, WHO recommended spe-cific serological methods using specific antigens, specially native AgB for proper diagno-sis. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the ELISA and counter current im-munoelectrophresis (CCIEP) method using native antigen B (Ag B) for serodiagnosis of human hydatidosis in Fars Province, Iran, an endemic area for this parasitic disease. Methods: Native AgB was purified from sheep hydatid fluid. Serum samples obtained from 40 pathologically confirmed cases of hydatidosis along with samples from patients with fascioliasis, toxocariasis, taeniasis and cancer patients and sera from healthy indi-viduals were tested by ELISA using native antigen B or tested by countercurrent immu-noelectrophresis (CCIEP) using crude sheep hydatid cyst fluid. Results: Sensitivity of the ELISA system was determined to be 92.5% and the specificity was found to be 97.3%. Positive and negative predictive values of the system were 92.5% and 97.3%, respec-tively. For countercurrent immunoelectrophresis the sensitivity of the assay was 97.5% and its specificity was 58.18%. This ELISA system is much more specific in detecting anti hydatid cyst antibody than CCIEP, while CCIEP is more sensitive in detecting anti hydatid cyst antibody. Conclusion: The new ELISA system using native antigen B is a suitable method and preferable to CCIEP for immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis.
Reza Mansouri; Firoozeh Akbari; Mohammad Vodjgani; Fereidoun Mahboudi; Fathollah Kalantar; Mahroo Mirahmadian
Volume 4, Issue 3 , December 2007, , Pages 179-185
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant ...
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Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Thirty patients with preeclampsia and thirty normal pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken and serum levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-15, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Preeclamptic women had significantly increased levels of circulating IL-12p70 (p < 0.05), IL-18 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-15 (p < 0.05) and IFN γ (p < 0.001). By contrast, circulating levels of IL-10 were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis of altered immune response in preeclampsia and suggests that dysregulation of cytokine expression occurs in preeclampsia with increased levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-4.
Saeed Zarei; Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani; Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi; Hojjat Zeraati; Tahere Kheirkhah; Morteza Ghazanfari; Fazel Shokri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2007, , Pages 101-109
Abstract
Background: Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis has been applied in Iran since 1950. WHO suggests periodical evaluation of effectiveness of the triple diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccine, worldwide. Objectives: To determine the immunogenicity of locally manufactured ...
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Background: Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis has been applied in Iran since 1950. WHO suggests periodical evaluation of effectiveness of the triple diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccine, worldwide. Objectives: To determine the immunogenicity of locally manufactured DTwP vaccine administered to preschool children in a number of health centers of Tehran in 2006. Methods: In this prospective study, 350 children aged 4-6 years were injected with DTwP vaccine manu-factured by Razi Institute of Iran. Blood samples were collected before and 2-4 weeks after the vaccination. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was assayed by measurement of specific antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Of the 337 children who were vaccinated, 99.4% and 100% had protective anti-diphtheria and anti-tetanus antibody titers, respectively. The vaccine response and seroconversion for pertussis was achieved in 70.3% of the subjects. The geometric mean titers (GMT) of the antibodies produced against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis by DTwP vaccine were 7.76, 9.37 IU/ml and 30.20 EU/ml after booster vaccine dose, respectively. Conclusions: Comparison of the results obtained from this study with those of previous studies performed in other countries reveals that immunogenicity of diphtheria and tetanus components is similar to other vaccines, but the immunogenicity of pertussis vaccine was less efficient. The lower immunogenicity of DTwP against pertussis may be related to the bacterial strain used or the formulation protocol adopted for the vaccine preparation.
Fattaneh Mikaeili; Mahdi Fakhar; Bahador Sarkari; Mohammad H. Motazedian; Gholamreza Hatam
Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2007, , Pages 116-121
Abstract
Background: The causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Iran is Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) (Mediterranean type) and its major reservoir host is the dog. Ob-jective: To compare the serological methods including direct agglutination test (DAT), indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test ...
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Background: The causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Iran is Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) (Mediterranean type) and its major reservoir host is the dog. Ob-jective: To compare the serological methods including direct agglutination test (DAT), indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of endemic strain of L. infantum. Methods: 61 blood samples from VL patients referred to Shiraz hospitals and 49 blood samples from con-trol group were collected. Native strain of the parasite isolated from a VL patient from the region was cultured and characterized. Antigens from this L. infantum parasite were used in ELISA and IFA system. Results: Anti-Leishmania antibody was detected in 43 (70.5%), 49 (80.3%) and 51(83.6%) cases using DAT, IFA and ELISA, respectively. Based on these results, sensitivity and specificity of DAT was found to be 70.5% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivities of IFA and ELISA in diagnosis of VL were 80.3% and 83.6% and their specificity was 90.5%. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that DAT and ELISA have the highest specificity and sensitivity in diagnosis of VL. DAT is a simple, cost-effective and field applicable test. Thus, it can be recommended for early and accurate diagnosis of VL, especially in regions where malaria, brucellosis and tu-berculosis are prevalent.
Ragaa Mohamed Issa
Volume 3, Issue 4 , December 2006, , Pages 176-180
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of toxocariasis heavily depends on immunological tests because the number of parasites is usually few in infected tissues, unless they migrate into an organ such as eye. In general, patients with ocular toxocariasis have serum anti- T canis antibody titres that are significantly ...
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Background: The diagnosis of toxocariasis heavily depends on immunological tests because the number of parasites is usually few in infected tissues, unless they migrate into an organ such as eye. In general, patients with ocular toxocariasis have serum anti- T canis antibody titres that are significantly lower than those with visceral toxocariasis. Objective: To diagnose the asymptomatic toxocariasis in infants before two years old and suspected pregnant women by an ELISA method utilizing two different antigens of TEE and capture TEX. Methods: This work was carried out between 8/2005 and 4/2006. Specimens of serum collected from 79 infants (apparent healthy) aged between 4 weeks to 30 moths (51 females and 28 males) Also, 28 specimens of serum were collected from asymptomatic pregnant women aged between 18-32 years old and all their infants (17 females and 11 males that their ages were as mentioned above). Serodiagnosis by ELISA was done by using two antigens, Toxocara canis embryonated egg antigen (TEE) and Toxocara canis antigen capture ELISA . Results: Toxocara antibodies were found in 7 and 12 pregnant women, when tested by TEE and capture TEX ELISA respectively. Three out of 28 and 7 out of 28 infant sera were positive for Toxocara antibodies when tested by TEE ELISA and capture TEX ELISA respectively. Active ocular toxocariasis was only diagnosed in the left eye of one mother. All inactive ocular toxocariasis were diagnosed by capture TEX ELISA, except one infant serum, which was diagnosed by TEE ELISA. Conclusion: The capture TEX ELISA was able to discriminate positive and negative toxocariasis samples better than TEE ELISA. In addition, sample analyses by both capture TEX ELISA and TEE ELISA is recommended in children and young adults, when toxocariasis is considered in the differential diagnosis of the ocular diseases.
Fatemeh Hajighasemi; Soheila Gharagozlou; Nasrin Moheghi; Roya Ghods; Jalal Khoshnoodi; Fazel Shokri
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2005, , Pages 125-133
Abstract
Background: There are two subclasses of human IgA (IgA1 and IgA2) that differ in antigenic properties and in chemical composition. The constant domains of α1 and α2 heavy chains have >95% sequence homology though major structural differences exist in the hinge region. Quantitation of IgA ...
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Background: There are two subclasses of human IgA (IgA1 and IgA2) that differ in antigenic properties and in chemical composition. The constant domains of α1 and α2 heavy chains have >95% sequence homology though major structural differences exist in the hinge region. Quantitation of IgA subclass levels depends on the availability of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for conserved conformational or linear epitopes restricted to each subclass. Objective: To produce, select and characterize monoclonal antibodies specific for human IgA2. Methods: Splenocytes from BALB/C mice immunized with a human IgA2 myeloma protein were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells. Fused cells were grown in hypoxanthine, aminopterine and thymidine (HAT) selective medium and cloned by limiting dilution assay. Antibody (Ab) secreting cells were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the specificity of secreted MAbs was further analyzed, using a panel of purified myeloma proteins and some animal sera by ELISA and immunoblotting. The affinity constant (Kaff) was also determined by ELISA. Results: Four murine hybridoma clones designated 2F20G5, 2F20B5, 3F20E3 and 6F20H11 were obtained that secreted MAbs specific for the human IgA2. 2F20G5 and 6F20H11 MAbs react with linear epitope(s) while 2F20B5 and 3F20E3 react with conformational epitope(s) located to human IgA2 subclass. 2F20G5 MAb displays a weak cross-reactivity with monkey and rabbit sera and a strong cross-reactivity with cat and dog sera while the other three MAbs showed no cross-reactivity with the animal sera tested. Conclusion: These MAbs, especially 6F20H11 with high affinity constant (6.03 ×109 M-1) are useful tools for quantitation of human IgA2 subclass levels in various diseases. Cross-reactivity of 2F20G5 MAb with some animalsera suggests phylogenic conservation ofthe epitope recognized by this MAb.
Abbasali Pourazar; Mansoor Salehi; Aabollah Jafarzadeh; Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi; Farzad Oreizi; Keivan Shariatinezhad
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2005, , Pages 172-176
Abstract
Background: The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. The screening for antibody to HBc (anti-HBc) has been shown as an alternative test for the detection of HBV infection. Objective: The main aim of this ...
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Background: The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. The screening for antibody to HBc (anti-HBc) has been shown as an alternative test for the detection of HBV infection. Objective: The main aim of this study was to evaluate HBV infection markers and the potential value of anti-HBc testing of blood donors to detect HBV infection. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 545 blood samples were collected and tested for HbsAg using ELISA method. Then all HBsAg negative samples were tested for anti-HBc by the same method. To detect HBV infection, all HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples were tested by PCR for HBV DNA. Results: All blood samples were HBsAg negative of which, 43 (8%) were anti-HBc positive. From those which were positive for anti-HBc, five samples were also positive for HBV DNA. Conclusion: Occult HBV infection is a clinical form of HBV infection in which HBsAg is not expressed by HBV and blood samples cannot be screened by ELISA method, therefore more sensitive techniques are needed. Our results demonstrate that a complementary test such as PCR, for detecting HBV DNA, is essential to ensure safety of blood samples.
Gholamreza Hatam; Azra Shamseddin; Farhoud Nikouee
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2005, , Pages 177-181
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. Infections of human are common and are usually asymptomatic. The infection may be serious if is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. Prophylactic measures, early detection of the infection and treatment can ...
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Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. Infections of human are common and are usually asymptomatic. The infection may be serious if is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. Prophylactic measures, early detection of the infection and treatment can avoid congenital toxoplasmosis and many long term effects. Objective: Seroepidemiological study in young girls is useful to determine the prevalence of infection and to design prevention policies for them after marriage and during their pregnancy. This study was carried out in the years 2000-2001 in the region of Fasa of Fars province in the South of Iran, as a descriptive, analytic and cross sectional study. Methods: Serum Samples of 947 students were collected from high school girls of Fasa and studied by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The positive and negative controls were also used. Results: The seroprevalance rate of toxoplasmosis ranged from 1 to 21 Percent in different parts of Fasa and 10% in all groups. Some variables including age, nutritional habits and contact with domestic cats were studied. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in girls of various high schools of Fasa is different and it may be related to the level of hygiene in different parts of Fasa. Water and food contamination with cat stool in regions with high contact with domestic cats can play an important role in infection rates. People of such areas should eat well-cooked meat to reduce infection.
Fatemeh Hajighasemi; Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi; Fazel Shokri
Volume 1, Issue 3 , December 2004, , Pages 154-161
Abstract
Background: The affinity of an antibody to its antigen is a crucial parameter in its biological activity and performance of an immunoassay such as ELISA. Affinity of most IgG specific MAbs are often determined by methods which require labeling of either antigen or antibody, and are sometimes difficult ...
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Background: The affinity of an antibody to its antigen is a crucial parameter in its biological activity and performance of an immunoassay such as ELISA. Affinity of most IgG specific MAbs are often determined by methods which require labeling of either antigen or antibody, and are sometimes difficult to control, do not always lead to the expected signal and often result in immunological modification of the molecules. Moreover, direct solid phase binding assays pose some problems such as diffusion effects and difficulties in reaching equilibrium due to heterogeneous binding and co-operativity. Objective: To employ a rapid and simple ELISA-based method for measuring affinity constants of two pan-h-IgG specific MAbs (3F2D8 and 5F19G11) established in our laboratory. Methods: The method is based on the effect of antibody affinity on the sigmoidal dose response curve. In this method, the binding of anti-human IgG (anti-h-IgG) MAbs with their corresponding antigen was measured using serial concentrations of both antigen and antibody. The amount of antibody bound to the antigen on the plate is represented as a sigmoidal curve of OD versus the logarithm of antibody concentration added to each well. Results: Based on the data obtained from this study, the affinity constants of 3F2D8 and 5F19G11 MAbs were 0.74 x 10 8 Mol –1 and 0.96 x 10 7 Mol –1, respectively. Conclusion: 3F2D8 MAb with reasonably high affinity is suggested as a candidate for quantitative measurement of IgG by ELISA, whereas 5F19G11 MAb could be considered as a suitable tool for immunoaffinity chromatography.
Fatemeh Vahedi Darmian; Soheila Joubeh; Mehrnoosh Doroudchi; Behnam Abdollahi; Abbas Ghaderi
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2004, , Pages 48-55
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a dermatological disorder of unknown etiology with a common incidence in southern Iran. Presence of autoantibodies to melanocyte antigens suggested an autoimmune basis of the disease. Objective: In this study, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera and skin biopsies of ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a dermatological disorder of unknown etiology with a common incidence in southern Iran. Presence of autoantibodies to melanocyte antigens suggested an autoimmune basis of the disease. Objective: In this study, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera and skin biopsies of vitiligo patients was investigated. Methods: The presence of RF in sera of 35 vitiligo and 32 normal individuals was assessed by an indirect ELISA assay. In addition, the presence of IgM, IgG, and IgA immunoglobulins in the biopsy lesions of patients was also investigated by Immunoperoxidase test. Results: IgM-RF and IgA-RF were detected in sera of 50% and 20% of patients, respectively. Five out of 35 (15%) revealed to produce both IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors. The rheumatoid factor activity of the deposited immunoglobulins at the site of lesion was confirmed by direct immunoperoxidase test. Conclusion: The presence of rheumatoid factors as non organ-specific autoantibodies in vitiligo provides further evidence for the autoimmune etiology of the disease and its pathological importance remains to be elucidated.
Habibollah Saadat; Parviz Pakzad; Mandana Sattari; Negar Seyed
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2004, , Pages 63-70
Abstract
Background: Streptokinase, which is injected intravenously with a standard dose of 1.5 MIU, is the most widely used thrombolytic agent around the world. What is so important about this bioproduct is the level of antistreptokinase (anti-sk) antibody in the population, which is directly correlated to the ...
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Background: Streptokinase, which is injected intravenously with a standard dose of 1.5 MIU, is the most widely used thrombolytic agent around the world. What is so important about this bioproduct is the level of antistreptokinase (anti-sk) antibody in the population, which is directly correlated to the incidence of streptococcal infections in that population. Objective: Since Iran is an endemic area for streptococcal infections, this study was conducted to assess the anti-sk level in an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: 97 males and 47 females referred to Modarress Hospital of Tehran for coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization were included. 10 ml of venous blood was taken before angiographies from each patient. According to the angiography reports, the patients were divided into three groups: Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD, n=95), Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD, n=19) and normal coronaries (n=30). The anti-sk antibody level was assessed in the serum samples of all patients using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay. Results: In 23.2% of patients with CAD, 40% of normal coronaries and 73.7% of patients with RHD, the serum samples contained more than 2 arbitrary units (AU) of anti-SK antibody which regarded as high levels. There was no significant difference between the anti-sk level of patients with CAD and normal coronaries (2.03 ± 3.02 AUs vs. 2.52 ± 2.23 AU), but the level of antibody in RHD group (8.16 ± 10.1 AU) was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed between antibody levels and the age or gender of patients. Conclusion: We concluded that the level of anti-sk antibody is high in Iranian population as compared to other endemic areas for streptococcal infections. Also we found no relation between the level of antibody and sex and age of patients. This study accentuated the necessity of assessment of drug efficacy in endemic areas for streptococcal infections especially in those patients with valvular heart disease.